The Pensionado Visa—also known as the Retirement Residency—is a temporary residence permit in Argentina for individuals receiving a stable pension or retirement income from abroad. Issued initially for one year, it is renewable up to three times (maximum of three years). After fulfilling eligibility, holders can apply for permanent residency and subsequently citizenship.
Applicants must receive a pension or retirement benefit (e.g., government, international organization, or large insurer) that arrives regularly and permanently.
The minimum monthly income is tied to five times Argentina’s minimum wage. As of early 2025, the minimum wage is approximately ARS 286,700, meaning the monthly pension must be at least ARS 1,433,500 (approx. USD 1,390). To strengthen the application, applicants are advised to show USD 2,000/month.
Required documents include:
A valid passport
Several recent pension payment receipts
Proof of pension certified by the issuing organization
Criminal background checks from home country (and any country of residence for over a year in the past three years), legalized and translated
Spanish translations of all foreign documents
Valid health insurance for the duration of stay, now a mandatory requirement
Proof of accommodation in Argentina (e.g., rental agreement or address)
Legal residency in Argentina, backed by a DNI for access to banking, healthcare, and public services.
Pathway to permanent residency after completing the temporary phase (three years total) and citizenship thereafter.
Work flexibility: While formal employment is not allowed, you may start a business or work independently.
Repeat entry and stay flexibility, as long as renewal criteria—including income—are met.
Imagine a retiree receiving US$1,500/month in government pension enters Argentina, applies via RaDEX, submits translated, legalized documents, secures the visa, and receives their DNI. Over three years, they renew annually. Afterward, they apply for permanent residency and later, after two more years, for citizenship—with no language tests required.
Pension must be no less than five times Argentina’s minimum wage (around USD 1,390/month); showing USD 2,000/month is safer.
Yes. Categories typically include spouse and dependent children (under 25). Income may need to support them.
Not officially specified, but maintaining regular entry and ties to Argentina is recommended.
Employment is not allowed, but self-employment or business ownership is permitted.
Valid for 1 year; renewable twice more (up to 3 years). After that, you may apply for permanent residency.
Yes, after permanent residency of at least 2 years, without language or knowledge exams.